The similarity between Ramadan and the MCO brings a smile because the fasting month is just that – Movement, Control and Order.
It’s not about less body movement, control in front of the fridge or ordering food to break our fast.
Movement refers to the routine of fasting and other activities we go through every year during Ramadan. Control is about abstinence, patience and of course, keeping our hunger in check. And when night falls, we have the sense of fulfillment that our life is in order.
So was preparation for Ramadan this year easier with the MCO in force?
Usually, people would be stocking up on food and buying tonnes of dates.
You will see videos on Facebook and Instagram of kuih Raya recipes and of course, who can forget the legendary ‘whispering dates’ (read: Yusuf Taiyoob commercial) on TV and radio?
We used to read news about students going back to their hometowns, traffic jams all over the city or supermarkets running out of eggs and flour.
This year, however, Ramadan comes at a time when we are dealing with a pandemic.
Socially, it is different this year. We are mostly confined to our homes. There’s no Ramadan bazaar to visit, no solat terawih in the mosques, no buka puasa gatherings and not much, if any, shopping for new clothes.
There will be no calls from mom asking how many samosas I want for sahur and since we are confined at home, I can’t use the excuse that I am feeling tired when my wife wants me to do household chores. She’s too smart for that.
But then I am grateful to have a smart and resourceful wife who is constantly on the lookout for food to cater for the fasting month.
We have ordered frozen food from several small traders in our area and we hope to get through Ramadan with home-cooked meals.
I have also noticed a trend online among friends and peers who have never cooked a day in their lives but have now become aspiring chefs (Cheers to their spouses who are enduring half-cooked chicken and half-cooked potatoes for sahur. I pray for you in silence).
For my wife and me, the first day was a success.
Our day started at 4am and we prepared a small meal to survive the day. Oatmeal is especially good to last till we break our fast. It does feel like you can fast longer if you have taken oatmeal.
After sahur, we proceeded to our routine by going back to sleep and waking up again to go to work – in the living room. Working from home during this period helps a lot, as we limit our movements by not going out and thus, saving energy.
The clock seemed a little weird when noon arrived. I swear it seemed like it was 5pm.
The fridge also appeared alive as I heard it call my name a few times. By 5pm, after a long day of work, my wife and I started preparing our buka puasa meal.
Our menu was grilled dory, pan seared with butter and shallots, simmered in lemon and herb Peri-Peri sauce. We paired it with steamed broccoli, carrots and mashed potatoes (I am so very sorry).
Looking back at how the first day of Ramadan went, I think we will only be stronger and we will survive the next 29 days together.
